Somerset Council has announced plans to reduce the speed limit on the A361 Frome bypass after five fatal collisions occurred there in the past five years. The council is proposing to lower the current 60mph limit to 50mph and introduce engineering improvements to boost road safety.
These proposals are part of a wider strategy that already includes the installation of AI-powered cameras last year. These cameras monitor speed, seatbelt use, and mobile phone use to enforce safer driving habits on this busy bypass, which carries around 15,000 vehicles daily.
A public consultation on the new speed limit will be launched this week, seeking community feedback. If approved and after addressing any objections, the reduced speed limit will be implemented alongside planned resurfacing work at a key junction. This maintenance is scheduled from May 7 to May 20 and will involve evening road closures, which will be well-publicized in advance.
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Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s lead member for Transport and Waste, emphasized their commitment to safety improvements: “We’re working on enhancing this road with better surface quality, a lower speed limit, and central hatching to effectively narrow the road where possible. Additionally, significant vegetation clearance is planned to improve visibility at the junction.”
He added that new road markings will be designed to increase visibility and provide subtle noise alerts to drivers, encouraging safer behavior. Wilkins also acknowledged community concerns about the high number of incidents and reminded drivers that approximately 90% of serious road accidents are caused by driver behavior. “We urge everyone getting behind the wheel to drive responsibly,” he said.